Right now, you are in custody for attacking an agent, Kate said. But given the nature of your history and your relationship with Mercy Fuller, we can stretch that to holding you as a suspect in her disappearance. That would give us every lawful right to do whatever we need to your laptop. With some paperwork, we could also have a look around your house and the entire farm. So why not save us the time and tell us the password for your laptop?

Again, he shook his head. But the taut expression on his face indicated that he knew he was essentially screwed.

Dont be an idiot, Barnes said, stepping forward. If Agent DeMarco cant crack it, someone with the state PD will. And Ive got state units on the way to help in the search for Mercy Fuller right now. One way or the other, were going to find out whats on there. And the longer you refuse to give us a password, the more certain we become that youre hiding something.

Lee said nothing. He slowly sat back in the chair, trying to get more comfortable.

Do you think youre proving something? Barnes asked. Buying yourself more time, maybe? You

Sheriff, can I speak with you outside? Kate asked.

Barnes nodded, making a little chuffing noise in the general direction of Lee. Kate opened the door to the interrogation room, letting Barnes go out ahead of her. They took a few steps away from the closed interrogation room door before Kate said anything.

Hes guilty of something, but Im becoming more and more sure it has nothing to do with Mercy Fuller.

Any ideas? Barnes asked.

Based on studies and past cases Ive heard about, there seems to be significant evidence that men that are addicted to pornography rarely ever truly get over it. And if Edgar Lees preferences of the past teach us anything…well, lets just say Im not going to be surprised if we find a lot of underage pornography on this laptop.

Barnes nodded, his hands on his hips. He managed to crack a dry smile when he said, Well, if nothing else, weve discovered where a lot of Detons drugs are coming from and weve potentially busted a man for child pornography…all while trying to crack the Fuller case. So then why does it feel like were still losing?

Because theres still a girl out there somewhere, and we need to find her.

Do you think shes still alive? He asked the question quietly, like he really wasnt sure if he wanted an answer.

I dont know, she answered honestly. But I do know that every minute that passes without us finding her, her chances become that much smaller.

Again, all Barnes could do was nod. He hunched his shoulders and walked toward his office, taking the weight of not only the case but the entire town with him.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN